[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 78 (Wednesday, May 20, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF BISHOP CURTIS E. MONTGOMERY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 2015

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
service of Bishop Curtis Montgomery of Tacoma, WA. Curtis epitomized 
the role that long-standing faith leaders play in their community. He 
was a tireless advocate for the members of his congregation and the 
greater Tacoma community.
   Bishop Montgomery was a key leader who shepherded Tacoma's Hilltop 
neighborhood through the civil rights struggles of the 1960s and the 
gang and drug violence of the 1980s. His steadfast leadership and 
staunch belief in the power of community involvement will be remembered 
in the revitalization of this historically significant neighborhood.
   His contributions to the Hilltop include the establishment of Christ 
Temple Church in 1959, which later became Greater Christ Temple Church 
in 1977. Under his leadership, Greater Christ Temple Church has become 
much more than a place for worship. Parishioners are community leaders, 
volunteers, and advocates for the work that Curtis has espoused his 
entire life.
   One of his most esteemed accomplishments was the realization of the 
Oasis of Hope Center. This faith-based community outreach center was 
the culmination of Bishop Montgomery's efforts and long-standing vision 
to provide a safe and stable place for the community to serve their 
neighbors. Opened in 2004, the Oasis of Hope Center has operated 
feeding programs, a clothing bank, counseling services, youth programs, 
and donation drives.
   Mr. Speaker, last year there were over 500 Hilltop community members 
served at the Center's annual Share the Harvest Thanksgiving Meal. I 
have been told there were more volunteers than they could possibly need 
for that dinner. This simple fact is just one piece of evidence 
representing his legacy and his vision. Scripture tells us that God 
loves a cheerful giver. It's safe to say God loves Curtis Montgomery 
and his parishioners--who have given so much, to so many, for so long.
   Bishop Curtis Montgomery was born in Selma, AL, which was central in 
the civil rights struggles of the 1950s and 1960s. He was raised to 
stamp out discrimination and racism. He built his church and developed 
a powerful message of tolerance and peace. Bishop Montgomery served his 
community in the steps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who he admired 
and followed from an early age.
   Mr. Speaker, I had the honor of visiting Selma on the 50th 
Anniversary of Bloody Sunday and had the privilege to join leaders like 
Rep. John Lewis in commemoration of the struggle for equal rights. I am 
proud to have walked in the hometown of Bishop Curtis Montgomery with 
the knowledge that his contribution to a safer and more equitable 
society would not be forgotten--that his legacy was etched with his 
brothers and sisters in Selma, 50 years later.
   On behalf of his congregation and the people of the Hilltop 
Neighborhood in Tacoma, WA, I stand today, proudly, to honor the 
lifetime achievements of Bishop Curtis Montgomery of Greater Christ 
Temple Church in the Congress of the United States.

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